Every reader or writer goes through that phase where you wonder what can you bring forth. This phase was what I went through in the last couple of days/months.

It wasn’t that there was nothing to write about….it was just that I did not know how to write about all of it.

I still don’t.

There is too much data….and too less words to bind it !

To summarize…..what I feel these days is excitement and nervousness.

I have landed my first ever job at the age of 24……quite a long wait, I know !……and the job at a place and industry I used to dream of. It gives me confidence and at the same time jitters of whether I’ll be able to live up to my own and other’s expectations.

In all this fusion of emotions, I just remembered what my Mom said on the morning of the grateful day – “Don’t think of what will happen, Don’t go there to prove something, Give your best and put your soul into it, Do it for yourself……If it is the right thing for you, it will come to you despite all odds.” These were the words I was remembering when my name was announced as selected. I couldn’t believe that the moment when I raised myself above all expectations and competition….I got what I really wanted.

Today…..she said the same thing to me when I am taking the big step into that world. She told me to not be a competitor, but someone above and beyond it.

Her words prompted me to revisit this blog and share it with you all.

I know, a lot of you might think of it as highly idealistic statement, but my Dear Friends…..it’s easy to be like others, but the difficult path carries better lessons and experiences and you never know – better results! (Mom’s words again!)

So I owe my restart of this Blog to her…..and I hope I can bring a new life to this

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/restart-refresh-thank-you-mom/feed/0fromsonikasonika_webSmileMature ?https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/mature/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/mature/#respondThu, 10 Jan 2013 14:00:16 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=821So often I hear the word “mature” at my college, news, home etc. But often I wonder, what maturity are we talking about. I feel utterly disgusted from hearing the so-called-mature people speaking of important issues such as women safety and rights in such a despicable manner.

Every day, as I switch on the news channel, there is always a snippet of the stupidest remark by some politician of how women should not wear western clothes. or how a so-called-spiritual-guru talks about revising a spiritual mantra at the time. They call themselves mature ! Why for once can’t we think of “How those men should be in control and not rape!”

I am no feminist, and I am not someone planning to be a journalist, a politician or anything close. I am just a student and a resident of Delhi, who is simply appalled by the way our leaders, politicians etc talk about women.

I though that by the time I would write my second post, justice would be given to the girl who succumbed to the worst of the crimes and torture. But now I believe we have a long way to go.

I hope that now parents realize that pampering their boys more is not going to help them grow, the schools should realize how important gender sensitization is for both girls and boys, and people should realize that the crime is the point of attention and not the victim who is suffering more than what you can imagine.

There are some people who have stood up and fought or have been at least respectful of the other person irrespective of the gender. I wish there were more of them. I hope that as a society we become more mature and as individuals more aware.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/mature/feed/0fromsonikaJust how much bad should it get to realize it’s enough! – Delhi, it’s time to change.https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/just-how-much-bad-should-it-get-to-realize-its-enough-delhi-its-time-to-change/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/just-how-much-bad-should-it-get-to-realize-its-enough-delhi-its-time-to-change/#respondWed, 19 Dec 2012 18:40:51 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=818At every news channel, after every few days, you just a hear a horrible tale of an innocent girl or woman being a victim of vicious crimes. Eve-teasers have become common now. Any college girl you meet in Delhi, and you would hear some thing from her. But what is the worst part of this is the way the crimes are treated in this city, or appropriately, by the “people of this city.”

A boy can whistle or touch or for that matter pull a girls scarf at one of the busiest bus stops in this city, and the others would merely look, ignore or chat with each other rather than noting down the no. of the bike or catching the guy and giving him a lesson of his life ! This is city has become so unsafe that I am scared that if I am not strong enough, I would not even get any help. It is me, and only me for myself.

Delhi. You were my love once. But now whenever I think of you….I feel disgusted. If anything, you should be ashamed for what you have become.

For how long as a city are we going to tolerate such crimes against women. How many more have to face the brunt before the authorities realize it’s time. Yes, today we are talking about strict punishments. It is good. I am happy that we are trying to do something in action now. But it is still not enough. It will never be enough if we do not sensitize ourselves towards the security of women, and the way they are treated in this city.

My heart goes out to those girls who have been suffering such crimes, and I hope and pray for justice to them. For those for whom this all this is just some bad news, think about your daughters, wives and sisters on a bus stop being eve-teased by a go-byers. Would you just stand and watch! Let’s make this Delhi what it used to be, and not a monster city where every corner is scary.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/just-how-much-bad-should-it-get-to-realize-its-enough-delhi-its-time-to-change/feed/0fromsonika“Secrets of Nagas” By Amish Tripathi – Book Reviewhttps://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/secrets-of-nagas-by-amish-tripathi-book-review/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/secrets-of-nagas-by-amish-tripathi-book-review/#respondTue, 18 Dec 2012 14:52:53 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=815This amazing sequel to “Immortals of Meluha” by Amish Tripathi, earlier reviewed by me, is a delight for any reader. It not only connects and takes the story to another level but creates a greater curiosity for the next book. In one line – a perfect 2nd in the Shiva’s trilogy (as the series has been called).

The story takes Shiva, the perceived savior and God, to a place of Dilemma and differing perceptions. He has to continuously rethink of what is good and wrong. The story talks about different empires fighting but realizing (by Shiva and others) that it is not about being good/bad, but about differing perceptions. The evil is somewhere else, and the search is what Shiva’s journey and this book is about. The journey is complex, with reflections on what man becomes and does by just believing in something.

The novel unravels many sides of a man/woman – principles he believes in, curiosity, struggle with past, present and society’s expectations and surviving in difficult circumstances. A number of groups and characters evolve in this one novel, but the beauty is that they are are integrated in such a beautiful manner with great clarity and flow that a reader doesn’t gets confused but enjoys the book.

The book is overall an adventure with lessons at every turn.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/secrets-of-nagas-by-amish-tripathi-book-review/feed/0fromsonikaFood – more Food – even more Food – finally Gym.https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/food-more-food-even-more-food-finally-gym/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/food-more-food-even-more-food-finally-gym/#respondTue, 18 Dec 2012 14:33:19 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=812I have been on a food eating spree for quite some days (fine, weeks maybe) and now definitely need to hit the Gym. But before I go and try to reduce the damage of overeating, I have to share my glorious (and some terrible) experiences I had in the streets and high corners of Delhi.

Berco’s – Great Chinese food, good ambiance, good service…….BUT, do not fall for that Thai festival menu!

Tikka Town – Any non-vegetarian would love the place, and would Definitely give an extra order.

Nizams – Heaven for non-vegetarians!

That small Rolls street shop at Satya Niketan, South Delhi –Wow. I just never get tired of the Paneer Rolls

That chaat corner at Bengali Sweets, South Ex – Really want to get spoiled, you should know about this place then.

Dilli Haat at INA – You can have dim sums, kachori (stuffed and fried cakes) fruit beer and end with awesome ice cream – kulfi, all at one place in one day! What more can you ask for (though try to avoid eating at every corner you see – some can be very bad)

This is the list of my food-journey in the last 2 weeks. And I am sure that soon another list will follow for all the food lovers there.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/food-more-food-even-more-food-finally-gym/feed/0fromsonikaWhat MBA doesn’t tells youhttps://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/what-mba-doesnt-tells-you/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/what-mba-doesnt-tells-you/#respondThu, 06 Dec 2012 18:09:42 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=809We all want to have great things in life, a great job, success and live our dreams. A lot of MBA students come with these aspirations. But the life can be very different, for there are some things that are not told. Some of them are:

MBA doesn’t tells a person how to achieve your dreams, it merely provides a skill to reach it.

MBA doesn’t guarantees a great life, but it does guarantees challenges for quite some time.

MBA does’t ensures happiness or prosperity, it merely provides a bucket of opportunities which wouldn’t have been open otherwise.

MBA is not about being professional, it about being presentable and organized so that you can be called professional (in future).

MBA is not a life with extreme competition and rat race, rather it a refined picture of corporate world.

MBA is not all about being competitive, which is often considered as the only solution to survive. Rather there is another less discussed version of being Excellent and creating own space despite competition.

It is not to say that MBA is not tough or not good. It is definitely tough and everybody wants a bigger slice of the cake. It is good, as the skills are important.

But it is not essential to achieve your dreams.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/what-mba-doesnt-tells-you/feed/0fromsonika“The Immortals of Meluha” by Amish Tripathihttps://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/the-immortals-of-meluha-by-amish-tripathi/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/the-immortals-of-meluha-by-amish-tripathi/#respondWed, 05 Dec 2012 18:49:46 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=799After a very long time, I read a book which became the reason of my sleepless nights. It is absolutely difficult to not complete this book.

“Immortals of Meluha” captures its reader in it majestic and unique story. It is a new way of looking at the story of Shiva, the God of Gods, in the Hindu Culture. But I for one, not well aware of the Mahabharta and Ramayana, still enjoyed it a lot. It is written in simple manner, and is not for the ones looking for Booker Prize books (no offence to them). The book is more about the story and the way it has been beautifully created around this humble yet special being, considered as a saviour by a mighty kingdom facing crisis.

It is a brilliant narration of a how peoples beliefs can create certain events, how a person deals with unexpected outcomes and how he ultimately tries to find God in himself.

A beautiful tale, with a great message, it is not one of those stories that you read, cherish and forget. Instead, it is one of those fables, which remain in some corner of your mind and raise a question of what is good, what is divine, and who is God.

The book is unique for it is not about human emotions, romance or society. I believe it to be a search for the difference between good and bad. It is a picture of how complex emotions can be, and yet how simple can our acts be. It is a confluence of various questions unanswered over the ages, with no direct answers being provided, but a path that can lead to some explanation.

So go ahead, and read about the journey of a Shiva – Tribal man, who incredible journey takes him from being a mere tribal, to a leader and to someone almost equal to God.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/the-immortals-of-meluha-by-amish-tripathi/feed/0fromsonikaKeep Walkinghttps://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/keep-walking/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/keep-walking/#respondMon, 26 Nov 2012 18:44:35 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=795This poem is written thinking about all those moments when we struggle with what the world pushes on us as well as our own emotions. It is rough, and something which was written sitting in the canteen of my college.

I tell myself that it is ok

That it is going to be fine one day.

I tell myself that it is right

That it is meant to be this way.

But deep withing my beating heart

Something cries out loud with pain.

No matter what I say or do

It still breathes in wain.

I wonder what to do

what can possibly change this.

No way seems to be the right one

And life seems to be too far from bliss.

I still walk the path

I still claim to reach the top.

But somewhere deep I also know

That at somepoint I would need to stop.

I have to understand that life is not easy

I have to live with being a mere human.

I have to take claim for my unfair emotions

and still be able to walk as a proud woman.

No matter how many times I am beaten down

And no matter if I am alone.

What is important is to survive

And still belive in reaching home.

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/keep-walking/feed/0fromsonikaCourier guy: “Here are the books you ordered, ma’am”; Me: God Bless You!https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/courier-guy-here-are-the-books-you-ordered-maam-me-god-bless-you/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/courier-guy-here-are-the-books-you-ordered-maam-me-god-bless-you/#commentsMon, 26 Nov 2012 16:18:54 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=793Yes, that is the reaction you give when you are utterly bored and tired of just sitting.

My exams are over + weekend with bad TV shows and movies being shown + done more than enough shopping + NO BOOKS TO READ !!!!

Well there were books….only academics. After spending 14 days writing exams I was so not going to touch them at least for another 14 days. So I was looking to read something new, and I couldn’t find anything. The next thing, I jump and sit on my laptop, go to Flipkart and order 4 books (well there was despearation, and there was variety!). Then the wait of 2 days……48 hours……..oh my God, do you know minutes it is! :O

I cooked, googled, youtubed and read the Newspapers again and again (they are really boring these days), but nothing satisfied me. Then came this beautiful sound and I saw a courier guy with the flipkart box in his hand. God Bless You, Courier Guy!

So I am more than happy to have this treausre in my hands, and I cannot wait to finish these books and order more. Even though this is not one of those great posts you’ll read and say WOW, it is one of those posts that you would read and smile and say – “I know. Life can really boring without Books…..That reminds me, I should get another one too”

I would soon be coming up with the reviews, and more cheerful posts

]]>https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/courier-guy-here-are-the-books-you-ordered-maam-me-god-bless-you/feed/1fromsonikaMy Hobby: Watching TV Shows and making sure I don’t Miss anything !https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/my-hobby-watching-tv-shows-and-making-sure-i-dont-miss-anything/
https://fromsonika.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/my-hobby-watching-tv-shows-and-making-sure-i-dont-miss-anything/#commentsSun, 25 Nov 2012 09:28:14 +0000http://fromsonika.wordpress.com/?p=776I wish I could write this on my CV. But as an MBA student I should understand that companies don’t care about how much TV I watch….but about the sports I play, what I read, if I am good at Poker etc etc etc.

Frankly, I don’t see anything wrong in watching TV shows….in fact I LOVE them. Don’t get me wrong, I am not fond of all of them.

Now just look at Grey’s Anatomy….whether you like it or hate it, it does shows that bit of problems or confusions of life we all face at some point.

See Masterchef Australia…..even if you don’t like cooking, just looking at the awesome food and brilliant hosts is enough to keep you coming back.

Or for that matter…..How I met your mother. Yes, it has gone toooooo long. But it is fun, and awe- wait for it-some !

I can go on and on about these shows…..and they include a list of those few Indian TV shows as well. Bade Ache Lagte Hai is quite decent.

Th point of all this is that just like one tries to pass their time with reading books (I do too) or playing football (so not me)…..watching TV can also be one. Especially, if you become a part of that fan following

But again…..it cannot be a hobby on my CV!

So I have to do with my other hobbies of reading and writing….I like doing them, but somewhere in my heart during the interview, I would be saying….”Oh, you like Ted from How I met your mother !”